Navi Mumbai: The Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) has moved a step closer to operational readiness as the Airports Authority of India (AAI) has published the Aeronautical Information Publication Supplement (AIPS) for the airport.
This crucial document, listed as AIPS 46/2025 on the Aeronautical Information Management India website, provides essential aerodrome data and is a key requirement for obtaining an aerodrome license.
A spokesperson from Navi Mumbai International Airport Limited (NMIAL) confirmed the development, stating, “This takes us a step further towards receiving the aerodrome license essential to operationalize the airport.”
NMIAL has formally applied for the aerodrome license from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), a mandatory certification required to ensure that the airport meets aviation safety and operational standards before hosting commercial flights.
While officials have not specified the expected timeline for approval, sources indicate that the airport is on track to receive certification before its scheduled commencement of operations on May 15, 2025. A recent inspection by DGCA and AAI officials noted significant progress in infrastructure, including the Air Traffic Control (ATC) tower, baggage handling systems, and passenger screening facilities. However, authorities have urged developers to expedite improvements in terminal accessibility to ensure smooth passenger movement.
Jointly developed by Adani Airport Holdings Limited (AAHL) and the City and Industrial Development Corporation of Maharashtra (CIDCO) in a 74:26 partnership, NMIA is set to play a vital role in reducing congestion at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA).
The first phase of operations will accommodate 12 million passengers annually, with long-term plans to expand capacity to 90 million passengers per year, supported by two runways and four terminals.
Airlines are actively preparing for the transition, with Air India scheduled to conduct test flights in April 2025. IndiGo, which performed a validation flight using an Airbus A320 in December, is expected to lead the shift, while Air India Express, SpiceJet, and Akasa Air are in discussions for a full-scale operational move. While Air India’s international flights will continue at CSMIA, its domestic operations will gradually shift to NMIA.
